One of the best things to do in the festive season is to visit a Christmas market. Get into the festive spirit by sampling delicious Christmas fare, heart-warming drinks and delightful carols. Here are a few tips on where to enjoy the best Christmas markets in Europe
Copenhagen
During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Copenhagen’s famous amusement park, Tivoli, is transformed into one of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets. Surrounded by Christmas trees adorned with a myriad of sparkling lights, here you’ll find an abundance of tasty fare and exciting gifts, getting you right in the mood for Christmas.
Thousands of glittering lights and twinkling Christmas trees can be seen across the Tivoli grounds, lighting up the winter darkness and bringing a sense of magic to the snow-covered gardens.
There are plenty of wonderful smells coming from the food stalls at Tivoli this Christmas. Some Danish goodies you can try are marshmallow snowballs, roasted almonds, æbleskiver (pancake balls), crullers, waffles and churros. And there’s plenty of hot chocolate, coffee and mulled wine to wash them down.
Trondheim
The Christmas market in Midtbyen, Trondheim, is an annual event with over 75 exhibitors. The market is open in december.
Here you can enjoy an authentic Norwegian Christmas, with local fare, handicrafts and the traditional Christmas tree. It’ll be a bit chilly outside but the atmosphere here is wonderfully festive with various concerts and plays for guests to enjoy.
Did you know? Norwegians leave out porridge for the family ‘Nisse’, or gnome, on Christmas Eve to thank them for all their help in the house during the year.
Prague
One of the truly classic European Christmas markets is found in the old town of Prague. In the market square, by the famous Astronomical Clock, that Christmassy feeling will come over you before you know it.
Enjoy a hot drink and burnt almonds as you browse the many wooden stalls that surround the great Christmas tree in the middle of the square.
Here you can buy hand-made goods from all over the Czech Republic. Glass ornaments, toys and jewellery are among the trinkets you’ll find in abundance.
Many of the stalls also sell local fare such as black pudding and a variety of pork dishes which will really warm you up as you browse this outdoor market.
Riga
On the eastern shores of the Baltic lies Latvia, with its beautiful capital of Riga. The Christmas market there is located in the cathedral square, in the heart of the historical town centre.
Here, you can buy wax candles and wooden candlesticks, the perfect gift from your travels. The Latvians are fond of knitting, so you’ll also find a wide range of homemade woollen products.
Don’t forget to enjoy a glass of mulled wine, munch on a gingersnap or try the smoked meats on sale at a variety of venues.
Enjoy the spirit of Christmas in Gdansk, Poland!
In the centre of Gdansk, you’ll be met by a veritable ocean of spectacular Christmas lights, a skating rink, a small funfair and, of course, everything you can expect from a Christmas market.
Catholicism is predominant in Poland, which is reflected in Gdansk’s Christmas market. You can expect nativity scenes, a variety of beautifully designed Bethlehem cribs and the opportunity to witness an authentic Catholic Advent service.
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